Ivan Konovalov: «The attack on the Su-24 will cause problems for Turkey on the border with Armenia»

Russia’s response depends on the actions of the Turkish leadership. If they recognize this incident as a tragic mistake, then Russia’s response will be more restrained. If not, then, clearly, there will be another response, — says military expert, director of the Center for Strategic Conjunctures, Ivan Konovalov. «At this moment the General Staff of Turkey is disseminating statements, but in such cases the senior officials’ or, it’s better to say, Mr. Erdogan’s announcements are necessary, who, frankly, has overplayed. The plane was shot down with the permission of the Turkish leadership. Turkey should help countries that are struggling against the IS, but not to put a spoke in the wheels of Russia,» mentions Ivan Konovalov in his interview to RUSARMINFO.

The Russian expert also recalls that recent events when the Turkish military helicopters violated the airspace of Armenia, guarded by the Russian forces. «Now the Turkish authorities should understand that if they do not take actions to smooth the situation, any further violation of the Armenian-Turkish and Syrian-Turkish borders will cause problems for the Turkish aviation,» says Ivan Konovalov.

According to the military expert, Turkey has to realize that its aircrafts can no longer accidentally fly into the airspace of Armenia and go from there with impunity. The Russian air defense will probably shoot them down.

Note: On October 6 and 7, 2015 the Turkish military helicopters twice entered the airspace of Armenia, citing poor weather conditions.